I: SEE IT
1: Keangnam Tower, Landmark 72
Bring out the creative side within you and head over to Keangnam tower where a world of 3D awaits stор the highest building in Vietnam. At 72 floors high, the observatory deck lends a birds-eye view of city and a photo op kike no other.
Landmark 72 | Pham Hung Boulevard Tu Liem | 9.30 - 22.00 |<25, D6>
2: St. Joseph's Cathedral (Nha Tho Lon)
Beautiful, Neo-Gothic cathedial in the Hanoi Old Quarter, also called Notre Dame due to its similarities to the original. The cathedral is worth a look and the area has lovely side streets with small boutique cafes, great fot wandering and exploring. Especially nice if you catch an event at night where locals gathet outside, the church is lit, and you can heat the choir singing.
40 Nha Chung ST, Hoan Kiem | <26, E4>
3: Hoa Lo Prison (Hanoi Hilton)
Built by the French colonists during the Indochina Period, and later used by the Vietcong, to house American soldiers in the Vietnam War, the prison was demolished in the 1990's and the gatehouse remains as a museum. Photos of the prison's history line the walls showing the kindness towards American prisoners, who were said to refer to the prisons comfort as a Hanoi Hilton. Many former prisoners have disputed these claims
7 Hoa Lo St, Hoan Kiem | +84 4 3824 6358 | 8.00 - 17.00 | <27, E4>
4: Thang Long Water Puppet Theater
This is a unique and traditional 45-minute Vietnamese puppet show on water, Although a great experience, the wow-factor may wear off after a short while, so keep an eye out for an exit strategy.
57B Dinh Tien Hoang St, Hoan Kiem | +84 4 3936 4335 | <28, E3>
5: World's Longest Ceramic Wall
Awarded the World's longest ceramic mosaic wall by Guinness Book of World Records. Walk along the wall and get amazed by the details and handicraft as you learn about Vietnam history through a visual narrative. The wall is very long and from the sidewalk it may be hard to see it's magnificence and though the road provides a better view, it is filled with fast driving vehicles, so we suggest you join the shoal on a xe om or taxi to really get the best out of this wall.
Along: Au Co, Nghi Tam, Yen Phu, Tran Nhat Duat, Tran Quang Khai and Tran Khanh Du St. <29, H3>
6: Tran Quoc Pagoda
While making your way around lay Tay Ho (West Lake), the largest lake in the city, have a stop at Hanoi's oldest Buddhist temple that dates back to the 6th century. There sits a Bodhi tree that is said to be grown from a piece cut out of the original tree where Buddha found enlightenment.
The temple can easily be spotted on the side of Tay Ho, as you walk along Thanh Nien Street; look out lot a high temple-like tower. Avoid going there the first days of the month in the lunar calendar, as the locals flock there to pray during these days and it may become a tad overwhelming. Tip! If the weather is nice get mesmerized by the beautiful sunset view from the Pagoda. Thanh Nien SI, Tay Ho | <30,D3 >
II: DO IT
7: Around Tay Ho (West Lake)
Stroll around Tay Ho to get a feel of the expat life in Hanoi. Also known as the Beverly Hills of Hanoi, this is where West meets East from a cultural aspect. The traffic is also less chaotic than anywhere else in the city. If you don’t feel up for a walk and would like to try out a local means of transport, head straight to Hanoi Bicycle Collective to rent a bike. For something faster contact Flamingo. <31, C2>
Flamingo Travel | 66 Dao Duy Tu St, Hoan Kiem | +84 4 3926 0938 | +84 912 214 554 - 8.30 - 19.00 , Hanoi Bicycle Collective | 44 ngo 31 Xuan Dieu St, Tay Ho | +84 4 3718 | 8246 | 8.00 - 20.00.
8: Movie Time
Got enough of all the touristy stuff and want to do something familiar?
Hanoi has two good cinemas that may be of interest. Cinematheque is a hidden treasure filled with goodness. The courtyard serves cooling drinks and their auditorium usually screens hard-to-find movies that you can't find anywhere else in the city. It's a member-based, non profit organization accepting small donations. Non-members are welcome to watch a movie as well. If you’re looking for something more modern, Megastar Cineplex is the way to go. They have couple seats, the latest box office movies, as well as the newest Asian movies on the screen.
Cinematheque | 22A Hai Ba Trung St,Hoan Kiem - +84 4 3936 2648 |<32,F4>
Megastar Cineplex, Vincom Towers 191 Ba Trieu St, Hai Ba Trung | +84 4 3974 3333 | www.megastar.vn/en - <33, F5>
9: Family Fun
For some family fun, or if you just want to bring out the child in you, take a trip to Royal City. Here you will find an amazingly designed water land, ice-skating rink, games arena and a bowling area, all under one roof. This complex also houses up to 600 shops and an indoor food village filled with eateries from all around the corner. Perfect after a full day I packed with fun activities.
Royal City | 72A Nguyen Trai St, Thanh Xuan | <34, E6>
Around one hour from Hanoi sits a ceramic village that has been specializing in making ceiamic cups, vases, bowls and other things for centuries. The village nowadays is easily accessible for tourists wanting to come and try out their handiwork skills by making their own ceramic souvenir.
III: DARE IT
1: Paintball
Tired of sightseeing and ready for some action? Then head over to the battlefields for some adventurous fun. We've all got a competitive bone in us, so why not cover your friends with paint in a friendly game of adult hide-and-seek.
Galaxy Hunter Paintball Club | Hoang Nhu Tiep St, Long Bien | +84 4 3636 6666 | 7.00 - 22.00 | <35, G2>
2: Paragliding
For a different experience join the Hanoi Paragliding Club and find yoursell soaring through the sky with an incredible landcape beneath you. You have to call and book in advance, but even when you do keep in mind that the sport is very dependent on weather conditions, The person in charge, and only English speaking is sometimes abroad and not rechable on the phone. If that occur, you can reach him on his email giangbt.hn@gmail.com.
Hanoi Paragliding Club - + 84 903 439 760 - + 84 4 3758 6924
3: Bun Cha & Nem
Bun Cha (grilled polk and noodle) and Nem (spiing rolls) are Hanoi staples, Locals as well as foreigners consider both to be the best traditional Hanoian dishes. You can find either sold on nearly every street corner, although we recommend the following places.
Bun Cha | 50 Xuan Dieu, Tay Ho | <36 , B3>
Quan Nem | 117 Bui Thi Xuan St, Hai Ba Trung | +84 4 3974 3239 | Try the fried crab spring rolls. <37, F5>
4: Bun Во Nam Во
Bun Во Nam Bо is popular Vietnamese beef noodle salad available in many local places, but if you don't feel like seeking out the best, go to the name that says it all, The places: is similar to most street food places: run-down, dirty, loud, crowded, and the options are slim so you don't need to put in much thought.
67 Hang Dieu St, Hoan Kiem | + 84 4 3923 0701 | <38, E4>
5: Pho Cuon
If you like the nomal fresh spring rolls in rice paper you shouldn't miss Hanoi's spin on the spring roill, called Pho Cuon, Beef wrapped in rice noodle paper, instead of rice paper, with lots of herbs and veggies inside, Yummy!
Pho Cuon Huong Mai - 25 Ngu Xa, Ba Dinh - +84 9 7334 4556 <39, D3>
6: Dog Meat
Some of you will find this appalling, but we are here to give you a trure experience of the city, Please don't shoot the messenger). As shocking as it may be, a large population of Hanoians loves to eat dog meat, If you are curious about why locals rave so much about it, find a restaurant with the sign Cho outside or try the local's favorite dog meat street on Au Co Street, Nhat Tan District .<40, B3>
7: La Salsa
Siting right across from St. Joseph's Cathedral, La Salsa serves up traditional French food and Spanish tapas. If the weather permits, dine upstairs where you can look over the cathedral and the trendy area.
25 Nha Tho St, Hoan Kiem | + 84 4 3828 9052 | <41, E4>
8: Bo Bia Ngot
Keep an eye out fot these delicious rolled crepes filled with coconut, sticks of sugar cane, and black sesame. Magic in your mouth! You won't find this treat anywhere; you have to keep your eye out for a make-shift-shop usually consisting of a person with a bike attached to a box with the words Bo Bia Ngot, Try your luck finding one along Thanh Nien Street. <42, D3>
9: Sweet Street
Should you have a craving for sweets, check out Hang Than Street, famous for the desserts sold along this strip by locals that have been there for generations. Kem Caramen is a silky smooth crème caramel flan-ish custard with a thin dark caramel sauce and let us tell you, il is orgasmic! For something a little less western, go for Banh Com , a green cake made from young sticky rice that is filled with a yellow bean раstе.<41,E3>
10: Cool Down
During the hot days in Hanoi it can be a cooling paradise to step into a place with delicious cold desserts, Fanny Ice Cream is a place that serves ice cream and sorbets in an abundance of flavors to satisfy a diversity of taste buds. If you opt for something a little healthier yet still tasty, then head to Yogen Fruz and have freshly made frozen yogurt prepared before your eyes. Fanny Ice Cream | 51 Ly Ihuong Kiet St, | Hoan Kiem | +84 4 3937 8170 <44, F4> || Yogen Fruz | 6th FL Vincom Towers | 191 Ba Trieu Street, Hai Ba Trung | +84 4 3974 9373|<45, F5>
11: KOTO Restaurant:
Just a stone throw away from the Temple of literature, this restauiant gives disadvantaged street youths a change to a better future. The kids are getting employed, and taught skills in hospitality and culinary art. Cоme in and have a fantastic food experience as you are served by these well-trained youths and rest assured that all proceeds go to a good сause,
59 Van Mieu St., Dong Da | +84 4 3747 0337 <46, E4>
IV: DRINK IT
1: Coffee
Vietnamese Coffee is amongst the best coffee in the world and Vietnam is the second largest exporter of coffee beans. The Vietnamese and coffee go together like peanut butter and jelly. Cafe's are everywhere and it is very clear that enjoying coffee is an everyday event for the Vietnamese people. A couple of our favorites are: Cong Caphe | 152D Trieu Viet Vuong St, Hai Ba Trung or 32 Dien Bien Phu St, Ba Dinh | +84 4 2247 0602 (Try the popular Cafe Sua, coffee with a very sweet condensed milk. | <47, F5>
Cafe Giang | 106 Yen Phu St, Ba Dinh or 39 Nguyen Huu Huan St, Hoan Kiem | Try their signature drink Cafe Trung, coffee topped with whipped raw egg that appears a bit like whipped cream. | <48, E3>
2: The KAfe
Find this chic, bright and modern place right at the edge of the city center bustling with people almost every hour of the day. This place has managed to fill a void in Hanoi with its great minimalistic interior and with food made by people with a passion for cooking.
18 Dien Bien Phu St, Ba Dinh | +84 1236 440 116 | <49, E4>
3: Tea Ceremony
Similar to the coffee craze, drinking tea comes in a close second place. Enjoy a visit to the teahouse where you can learn more about the different teas and flavors and take part in a traditional tea ceremony. This ritualized and spiritual form of making tea dates back to ancient and medieval times and is a fantastic way to better understand our cultural diversities.
Vo Uu Tra Quan | 68E Tran Quang Dieu St, Dong Da | +84 902 362 628 | <50,E5>
4: Manzi Art Space
An old French villa with a trendy and cool yard for sunny days. The owner calls this place the new home for the Art in Hanoi, not only because of the cool ambience it's set in, but also because they host events like art exhibitions, music and dance performance, movie screenings and much more, all to promote contemporary art in Hanoi,
14 Phan Huy Ich St, Ba Dinh | +84 4 3716 3397 | <51, E3>
5: Hanoi Social Club
This shabby chit cafe is hidden treasure on a little Street close to St. Joseph's Cathedial,Equipped with magazines, board games, books, and card decks, in case the conversation runs dry. Also serves as a great lunch stop, for meat lovers and vegetarians.
6 Hoi Vu St, Hoan Kiem | + 84 4 3938 2117 | <52, E4>
6: Bia Hoi
A Hanoian and expat tradition: sit on small plastic blue or red chairs and get hammeied on cheap home-brewed Bia Hoi, or fresh beer, while eating fried corn, To find a good spot to join in on the festivities, just look for a place with scattered beer barrels or follow your ears to the loudest watering hole. Otherwise have a look at our favorite place:
Boat Bia Hoi - Ben Han Quoc, Tay Ho. Turn left at lane 52 To Ngoc Van St, then immediately right. Go along the lakeside road and you can't miss it <53, A3>
V: Spend it
1: Trang Tien Plaza
The ultra flashy shopping mall is the latest addition to the city and a haven reseived for real spenders. Outfitted with all the high-end brands such as Gucci, Versace, Chloe...etc. As usual, expect overpriced products due to the high import tax.
22 Hai Ba Trung St, Hoan Kiem | <54, F4>
2: Royal City
Another swanky newly - opened mall that is trying to outshine all others is Royal city, which may be of interest for those who would like to bring their kids to the latest water park, try out an indoor ice skating rink, or just be mesmerized by all the different food options offered in the food court. If none of the above interests you, then it will be a waste of time for a visit to this underground mall.
72A Nguyen Trai, Thanh Xuan <55, E6>
3: Pico Plaza
If you are in need of anything electronic, Pico Plaza sells the most reliable and reasonably priced products by Hanoi standards. Bargains on electronics are generally nonexistent and locals usually purchase from other countries such as Singapore, Thailand or Hong Kong if they are able to.
35 Hai Ba Trung St, Hoan Kiem | <56, F4>
4: Vincom Towers
This is another high-rise building complex with a variety of brand-name shops. It's the perfect place to go to if you have forgotten your trainees, toiletries or clothing since this is a mall that carries western brands and sizes. This plaza is also equipped with game centers, restaurants, cafeterias as well as a modern movie theatre, where the consumer can relax after an intensive shopping day.
191 Ba Trieu, Hai Ha Trung | <57, F5>
5: Mekong Quilts
Amazing hand embroidered quilts made by impoverished women in rural areas previously forced to travel far from home to find a job. The proceeds go to these women who can now work dose to home and take care of their children. Even if you don't buy anything, the shop is quite artsy and a worthwhile pit stop.
9 Xuan Dieu St, Tay Ho | +84 4 3778 8100 | <58, B3>
13 Hang Bac St., Hoan Kiem | +84 4 3926 4831 | <59, E3>
58 Hang Trong St, Hoan Kiem | +84 4 3824 4607 | <60, E4>
6: Luala
An elegant house with a little coffee corner dedicated to special customers. This is a luxury concept store carrying luxury brands from all over the world, as well as prestigious Vietnamese brands.
67 Ly Thai lo St, Hoan Kiem | +84 4 3936 9899 | <61,F4>
7: Find Your Niche
In Vietnam, take the opportunity to pick up one-of-a-kind souvenirs and classic clothing in the most elegant silk you can find. From beautiful and traditional silk dresses and ties, to unique souvenir shops, you can find most of them on Hang Cai Street.
For higher end Vietnamese silk check into Khai Silk, or for a traditional Vietnamese Ao Dai, the national dress for ladies, paired with silk pants, pay a visit to La Hang. If you're a lad, take the opportunity to get some handsome suits hand-tailored to fit you perfectly at Hoa Fashion, which is a favorite place for diplomats. Tip! Allow time for tailored items, as sometimes they may have a lot of orders in line which means it may take a couple of days before they can deliver yours. If lacquer ware is more your style, take a walk along Hang Trong Street where you may be awed by the myriad of handcrafted selections. On the nearby Nha Tho Street you will also see some lovely boutique shops, one of which is a famous accessory brand, Ipa Nima, that designs and locally produces amazing hand bags.
Khai Silk | 113 Hang Gai St, Hoan Kiem | +84 909 393 088 | <62, E4>
La Hang | 41 Phung Hung St, Hoan Kiem | +84 4 3927 4742 | <63, E3>
Hoa Fashion | 1A Xuan Dieu St, lay Ho | +84 4 3823 8498 | <64, B3>
Ipa Nima | 5 Nha Iho St, Hoan Kiem - +84 4 3928 7616 | <65, E4>
8: Art Culture
Due to its complex history, it is no wonder art has become such a craze throughout Vietnam, and especially in Hanoi. With pieces inspired by the cultural and social transformations that have taken place, many have taken interest in the contemporary art scene and taken advantage of this creative boom. If art is your preferred steal, enjoy an art tour with Exotissimo, or pay a visit to Trang Tien Street. For an even more upscale experience, we recommend getting in touch with one or both of these galleries: <66, F4>
9: Art Vietnam
Owned by a foreign woman who has a unique selection of the newest artwork. You can go to her salon, around a 20 min ride from the city center, or if you're mad about art, call her for a private meeting with the artist. In both cases you need to make an appointment. | 2 ngo 66 Yen Lac St, Hai Ba Trung | +84 4 3862 3184 | closed Sat & Sun 10.00 - 16.00 | <67, F5>
10: Bui Gallery
With a bright white space, this gallery showcases local and International talents as well as Avant-garde, in a colonial-like Villa. | 23, Ngo Van So St, Hoan Kiem | Appointments made only through email: sales@thebuigallery.com. | <68, E4>
11: Art tour with Exotissimo
Join a guide on an exclusive art journey away from the tourist traps and into Hanoi's underground art world through important museums, stunning galleries and the latest artsy hang-outs. | 26 Tran Nhat Duat St | +84 4 3828 2150 | Mon - Fri 9.00 - 18.00 | Sat 9.00 - 12.00 | closed Sun
V: Relax it
1: Amadora Wellness & Spa
One of the bigger spas in town with 14 spa rooms, as well as Turkish-style saunas, is a great place for some relaxation for your body and mind. After a long day touring around, treat yourself to a luxurious massage or settle into a sauna room to revive your tired body.
250 Ba Trieu St, Hoan Kiem | +84 4 3978 5407 <69, F5>
2: Yakushi Center
For a more cost efficient option, Yakushi offers well-trained massage therapists in a clean and comfortable environment. Visitors rave about the quality of the massages and no need to break the bank here.
6 ngo 28 Xuan Dieu St, Tay Ho | +84 4 3719 1971 | <70, B3>
3: Zennova
A spa with a menu ranging from massages, herbal baths, and yoga, to Tibetan meditation and Japanese antioxidant treatments. Zennova is a unique escape from the city and a tranquil way to spend an afternoon.
113 Nui True St, Ba Dinh | +84 4 3736 5566 | <71, D5>
4: Body & Soul
Although small, this unique spa offers amazing services on a beautiful hilltop villa. The three sisters who run this place are trained out of Vietnam and know exactly what they're doing. Make sure to book beforehand as they do not accept walk-ins.
14 Xom Chua, Kim Lien, Nghi Tam Village, Tay Ho | +84 904 241 314 | <72, B3>
5: Van Xuan Foot Massage
Not the most posh place in town, yet cozy and welcoming, Van Xuan specializes in foot massage and is bliss for your tired feet after a long day of shopping or walking around the city. Although they also offer body massages, we advise to stick with a foot massage.
18 Ly Quoc Su St, Hoan Kiem | +84 4 2218 8833 | <73, E4>
6: Flamingo Dai Lai Resort
An astonishing five star resort right by Dai Lai Lake, one and a half hour from city center, is the perfect place for an escape from the city bustle. The resort covers a huge area and offers relaxation and serenity for those who seek it, while also providing a multitude of water activities on their man-made beach such as wind surfing, kayaking and sailing for those who need some more action. Many people come here for the day, but if you choose to stay here the lake view villas with a breathtaking landscape are incredible
Ngoc Thanh Commune, Phuc Yen Town, Vinh Phuc | +84 21 1626 8689 | +84 986 009 393
Discovery Hanoi City
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